British Airways (BA.L) will resume direct flights between London Gatwick and Colombo in October 2026, returning to Sri Lanka for the first time in 11 years as part of a 9% expansion of its long-haul winter network.
The seasonal service launches on October 23, operating three times a week on Boeing 777 aircraft in a three-class configuration covering business, premium economy and economy cabins. Tickets went on sale on March 17, with economy fares starting from $870 return and business class from $3,765.
Colombo is one of two new destinations British Airways is adding for winter 2026, alongside Melbourne in Australia. Hayleys Aviation will serve as the General Sales Agent for British Airways in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka recorded 279,328 international tourist arrivals in February 2026, a 16.3% increase year on year, with the United Kingdom, Russia and Germany the top three source markets in that order..
The route’s return comes as airlines are adjusting their networks in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted Gulf hub connectivity since late February 2026 and redirected long-haul demand towards alternative routings.
The Colombo-London sector has long been one of SriLankan Airlines’ most profitable routes, particularly for premium passengers, and British Airways’ re-entry introduces direct competition for that high-yield traffic. SriLankan Airlines is currently navigating a $210mn debt restructuring and a five-year recovery plan, leaving the timing of the new service particularly sensitive for the state carrier.
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick welcomed the announcement. “Welcome news for British tourists and Sri Lankans for the winter season. Recognise there’s been a lot of disruption. Good to have a new direct route to Colombo from October to the Spring,” he said. — Newswire
Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer at British Airways, said the new routes “represent a significant investment in our long-haul leisure network.” — TheStreet